The Development of a Battery to Assess the Language Skills of Children with Down Syndrome

Abstract

The study aims to develop an Algerian tool to measure and diagnose aspects of language disorders in mentally handicapped (Down syndrome) children. Accordingly, and after reviewing the previous studies and related literature, three sub tests have been identified: discrimination test, understanding test, and expression test. To check the validity and reliability of the battery, it was presented to a group of experts and a sample of 10 mentally disabled children. In addition, it has also been applied to a sample of 50 mentally handicapped children. It has been found that the battery has good psychometric characteristics. Finally, it has been found that the battery’s ability to assess the language skills of mentally handicapped children is very high.